Video Plastique

Three-day event with Dirty Electronics and Double Wei Factory at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid, Spain, March 13-14 and 15, 2014 in the context of IN-SONORA VIII. An extended performance for large group exploring the detritus of discarded media, the physicality of polyethylene videotape and ‘hands in the machine’. 
Inspired by Laurie Anderson’s Tape Bow Violin, long lengths of videotape are pulled manually through DIY instruments made from old tape heads resulting in deep tones and clicks that are combined with mashed-up images and projected light. Different ‘lines’ of videotape are stretched across the stage to reflect low-level light and act as pulley mechanisms for generating sound. Videotape also provides a starting point for imagery that is projected on to moving dynamic performers. A physical theatre piece unfolds expanding the realm of inner and outer noise. The event includes the construction of a bespoke Dirty Electronics instrument combining ‘arty’ electronics and engineering, group rehearsal and performance.